Based on county population projections from the two states’ demographers, the population growth of the region is projected to maintain pace with past increases — with a projected population of over 3.3 million in 2030 and nearly 1.3 million of those people residing in Mecklenburg County. 

The population is projected to increase by nearly 400,000 people from 2000 to 2010, and, according to 2005 population estimates from the U.S. Census, the region is on pace with that projection, having added more than 200,000 people from 2000 through 2005. Also, the region is projected to continue this growth by adding 400,000 people in each of the next two decades.